Is Makeup Removal Necessary?

Oops! You did it again. You fell asleep and skipped makeup removal. Now you’re waking up with mascara raccoon eyes and caked-on foundation, not to mention a guilty feeling. Sleeping in your makeup is bad for your skin — or is it? While it’s true that cosmetics can contribute to skin problems, makeup remover also has the potential to harm your skin. Here, we’ll take a closer look at the consequences of not taking off your makeup, as well as some common pitfalls associated with makeup-removal products.

Take All Makeup Off

Regardless of how much makeup you wear during the day, it’s important that you remove it before you go to bed. Some cosmetics and sunscreens can clog your pores, contribute to acne breakouts, and make your skin look dull. Leaving mascara on overnight has been shown to trigger puffy eyes. Worse, leftover eye makeup can lead to eye infections. These are all good reasons to reach for the makeup remover.

Choose Makeup Removal Products Wisely

Makeup removal is an important aspect of skin care, but it can also be problematic if you don’t use the right products in the right way. For example, makeup-removal products that contain alcohol can be dehydrating, particularly if you already have dry or sensitive skin. On the other hand, using baby oil or other greasy products to remove your makeup can contribute to clogged pores and breakouts. Hypoallergenic and fragrance-free products are best for people with sensitive skin, as well as those with skin conditions such as eczema and rosacea.

Use Smooth Moves to Remove Makeup

Use gentle movements to remove makeup, especially around the eye where skin is very delicate. Don’t rub or tug at your skin; make soft, mild wiping motions instead. Eye makeup remover may be necessary for that hard-to-remove liquid liner or waterproof mascara.

Make a Clean Sweep

Makeup removal is just the first step in a good skin care regimen. Follow up by cleansing your face to wash away any remaining makeup, dirt, and other unwanted substances. Use lukewarm water and a gentle cleansing product specially formulated for your skin type and continue to use gentle massaging movements as you clean.